The structure of hebrews is a different from other new testament books. In fact, hebrews interpretation of christianity in many respects is foreign to the thought. The writer of hebrews delivers an exhortation filled with warnings of the consequences of rejecting christ or of failing to grow to maturity in christ. Throughout the epistle, the author stresses the continuity and flow between the old testament revelation and the new faith in christ, while emphasizing the superiority of both christ and his new covenant, using such words as better, perfect and. However, doubt on pauline authorship in the roman church is reported by eusebius. Christ greater than the prophets and angels chapters 12. He clement of alexandria says that the epistle to the hebrews is the work of paul, and that it was written to the hebrews in the hebrew language. The greek is much more refined than what we normally see. It was a pretty sweet deal, but things werent working out so well. Luke translated it carefully and published it for the greeks, and hence the same style of expression is found in this epistle and in the acts. I am afraid that many of the questions i struggle with in hebrews would have never been asked by its author nor peter, nor james. And of the angels he says, who makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire. Its purpose was to present the lord jesus christ as perfect and superior in comparison. Missing is pauls customary salutation common to his other works.
Constables notes on hebrews 2020 edition genre many students of the book have observed that hebrews is more of a sermon in written form, than an epistle in the traditional new testament sense. Some think that paul wrote it but the style and vocabulary are very different from pauls other letters. Theology the book of hebrews is one of the most controversial books in the new testament. The entire book is about jesus and how he is the guarantee of a new and better covenant. After the superiority of the new covenant has thus been established, the writer dwells on the obligations which it lays.
Commentary on the book of hebrews by matthew henry. The author of hebrews wrote to exhort his audience to reject local jewish teachings and to remain faithful to jesus. The book of hebrews unveils christ as the one who is greater than each of the types and shadows that were pointing to him in the old covenant. The author of the letter to the hebrews remains shrouded in mystery. The attached powerpoint and audio were given during the teaching of these lessons.
There is nothing in the letter to tell us who wrote it nor is there a strong tradition to associate an author with the book. As weve just suggested, the author of hebrews wrote to exhort his audience. Hebrews differs in some respect with the other epistles of the nt. Its important to understand which group is being addressed in which passage. A biblical theology of perseverance and assurance dowers grove, illinois. The book of hebrews is a general epistle apostolic letter. These covenants are completely different and yet many christians approach god on the basis of old testament law instead of new testament faith. This text presents the various arguments that have been put forth about the books authorship, intended audience, destination, and date. Basically, god created the world and then made an agreement with the people living in it. According to the author, the book of hebrews is more of a sermon than an epistle. This epistles title bears the traditional greek title, to the hebrews, which was attested by at least.
They are intended for reflection and self study before readinglistening to the lesson. Outline of the book of hebrews scriptures and topics covered. Book of hebrews overview insight for living ministries. Contrary to pauls usual practice, the author of hebrews nowhere identifies himself in the letter except to indicate that he was a man see note on 11.
The controversy derives largely from the fact that the books author is yet to be identified. Introduces perspectives on the author, audience, date and purpose of the book of hebrews that can help us interpret the original meaning and apply this book to our modern world. God is not called father of the believers hebrews 12. Although some include the book of hebrews among the apostle pauls. The book does close like a letter in the last chapter, but those bits dont seem to fit with the rest of the book. The epistle to the hebrews, or letter to the hebrews, or in the greek manuscripts, simply to the hebrews.
Analysis of the book of hebrews is more of a sermon than. Should christians ever turn away from the faith, or should they hold fast to. In the book of hebrews faith is not a forensic position justification by faith, but a faithful life to the end chapters 1112. The believers are seen as men on earth having free entrance to god and a heavenly calling by the work of christ. When he had made purification of sins, he sat down at the right hand of the majesty on high. Hebrews proves that jesus christ is superior to all ot types moses, aaron, the tabernacle, the temple, etc. The attached word document study guides are questions for the congregation, handed out the week prior to the lesson. The book of hebrews is about jesus and how he guarantees a new and.
Hebrews according to the tanakh is mentioned 34 times, mostly from the jewish religion. It is deep and full of sometimes difficult to understand terms and theology. The author refers to a story in the book of genesis in which abraham. An analysis of the book of hebrews theology essay 31. Edwards 20, hardcover at the best online prices at ebay. So while hebrews definitely traveled far and wide, it isnt really on the same level as other new testament letters. Jesus is the final high priest he took his own blood into heaven. The letter is written to hebrew christians, that is, those who have converted to christ from judaism, and who are under pressure to depart from christ. The righteous shall live by faith means the righteous shall live by diligently seeking the lord in every area of thinking, speaking, and doing, throughout their lifetime on the earthand forever after the new covenant is shown to be superior to the old covenant in that it removes. The greeks saw everything on earth as the shadows cast by what was real, so they were always searching for reality.
Chapter 3 of the book of hebrews christ and moses chapter 4 of the book of hebrews the sabbath additional notes the rest of god chapter 5 of the book of hebrews christs qualifications as high priest additional notes mrs. Hebrews makes important theological contributions to the biblical canon, it has been drawn upon as sacred scripture since the late first century, and christians have for two millennia consistently upheld the divine inspiration and, therefore, the canonicity of the book of hebrews. Taken together, these themes distinguish the book of hebrews from books that we know were written by paul. The jews were searching for a way to approach god because historically they had felt too unholy to approach him. Bible study series on the book of hebrews chapter by chapter. Moses was the great lawgiver, but christ was the perfect fulfillment of the law. Theology the book of hebrews is one of the most complicated and obscure books in the new testament. In addition, the suggestion that the writer of this epistle relied upon knowledge and information provided by others who were actual eyewitnesses of. The high priest in the old testament offered sacrifices each year.
The expression the righteous shall live by faith is defined by the entire text of the book of hebrews. Hebrews with book summary versebyverse bible commentary. Yet we should not give up just because it is difficult. This is an essay or a sermon or a letter to the hebrews and everyone. Analysis of thomas schreiners means of salvation view of. The book of hebrews exhorts us to be content with what god provides and to work for peace shalom and holiness for all. A summary, synopsis or recap is a shortened version of the original. Methodologies considered include thematic analysis, literary analysis, rhetorical analysis, and linguistic analysis. Now lets look at the better covenant enacted on better promises hebrews 8. A summary of the book of hebrews limerick reformed. Hebrews is an occasional document, like all the nt books.
God passed most orders in hebrew, however from the gospel of john there is a connection of some writings from the book of colossians 2. Although some include the book of hebrews among the apostle pauls writings, the certain identity of the author remains an enigma. The general subject of this chapter hebrews 10 is the sacrifice which christ has made for sin, and the consequences which flow from the fact, that he has made a sufficient atonement. The new covenant with the hebrews this last half of hebrews chapter eight contrasts the old covenant with another one that was prophesied about 600 years earlier in jeremiah chapters 30 and 31. Jesus is greater, so hold fast to him overviewbible. Scripture by scripture explanation of the book of hebrews. Watch our overview video on the book of hebrews, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. White on bible study chapter 6 of the book of hebrews steadfastness in the faiththe covenant oath additional notes. Commentary on the book of hebrews by matthew henry new. The book of hebrews appeals to the greek mind as well as the jewish mind. Its very clear explanation of the bible about the salvation and the. The warning passages in the book of hebrews are identified in this paper as. We are to gladly suffer the loss of honor and possessions for the joy that lies ahead of us. Matthew henry 18 october 1662 22 june 1714 was an english commentator on the bible, who published his works in 1706, sixvolume exposition of the old and new testaments 17081710 or complete commentary, provides an exhaustive verse by verse study of the bible, covering the whole.
Each lesson on this study of hebrews is designed fit into the whole of the book. This description of the authors purpose helps orient us to the main ideas found in the book of hebrews. The book of hebrews addresses three separate groups. An analysis of the book of hebrews an analysis of the book of hebrews. Even early in the churchs history, a christian as learned as origen. Hebrews 1 full chapter the supremacy of gods son long ago, at many times and in many ways, god spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. The author is anonymous, although either paul or barnabas was traditionally accepted as the author. There is no disharmony between the teaching of hebrews and that of pauls letters, but the specific emphases and writing styles are markedly different. It is believed that the book was addressed to jewish converts in palestine to warn them against apostasy. The basic argument of the book of hebrews is an appeal by the apostle for his readers to fully embrace the kingdom of god and not to give in to pressure from the jews and turn back to judaism. The influence of hebrews is reflected in many of the generally accepted teachings of the christian church, one of which is the doctrine of the blood atonement, or the idea that the blood of jesus atones for or pays the penalty for human transgressions. Its purpose was to present the lord jesus christ as perfect and superior in comparison to anything.
The central message is that christians need to preserve in the face of adversity so that. Likewise, the interpretation of the faith by which people are saved as being identical with. Hebrews summary we have detailed a brief summary of the book of hebrews for bible study or sunday school lessons. Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the. Summary and analysis the letter to the hebrews cliffsnotes. The book of hebrews is an exhortation to jewish christians to hold fast to their faith in christ. The book of hebrews is the bridge that connects the old testament and the new. In this journey, we are supplied, emboldened, and encouraged by gods son, the true priest whose selfsacrifice opens a way for. Part two of the volume offers a textslinguistic analysis of hebrews, utilizing both modern linguistic theory and insight into ancient oratorical conventions.
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